Grape Varieties

Answer 1

1. Until 90s, País most common grape and still #2 w 15,000ha. Assimilated to Criolla Chica (Arg) & Mission (Calif.)
2. Excluding País, the main grape varieties are:

Reds (73% of plantings)
1. Cabernet Sauvignon (42%)

1. Brought from France mid 19th
2. Late ripening; varietal or blended
3. Aconcagua, Maipo & Rapel
4. Eucalyptus notes in Alto Maipo
5. Merlot (10%)
6. Varietal or blended
7. Spicy, green peppery aromas
8. Often field blended w Carmenere
9. Carmenere (9%)
10. Widely cultivated in Bordeaux in 18th
11. Discovered in Chile in ‘94
12. Late ripener, susceptible to coulure (-> low yields)
13. Difficult to get ripe tannins & non-herbaceous aromas
14. Syrah (6%)
15. Hi quality in San Antonio w ripe, black fruits + subtle pepperiness
16. Pinot Noir (3%)
17. Showing promise in San Antonio (Leyda) & Casablanca

Answer 2

Whites (27% of plantings)

1. Chardonnay (14%)
2. Crisp citrus & apple flavours
3. Use of oak for toast & caramel characters
4. Sauvignon Blanc (13%)
5. Ripe, tropical fruit in new plantings
6. Sometimes mixed up w Sauvignonasse or Sauvignon vert in the past.